Chapter 2: Breaking Down Barriers (1)

As she rubbed her palms, Naavah looked at the small table with various hair accessories, makeup, and perfumes. Her cousin had borrowed her all of these so she could make a good impression on the first meeting with the Duke of Wintkrim. However, in the background she could hear a high-pitched voice:

“I still don’t think that’s enough. You know, if you haven't wasted all your time reading and gathering herbs, your skin would have been much whiter and smoother, and you would probably have looked more presentable.” said Scarlett, frowning while switching gazes between her and the maid who was doing Naavah’s hair.

“Remember to answer all of his questions politely and sweetly. And it wouldn't hurt to flirt with him. Maybe he will marry you. Otherwise you will be our burden forever! And I'm tired of seeing your face in the house. Especially when you get sick, that is, all the time.”

Although she did not say anything back to her cousin, Naavah could not help but feel the harshness and hatred of the words she heard. And she understood why such behaviour would be necessary with the duke. Scarlett always told her that men adores a woman who speaks endearing to them and this may be a good thing to ensure a future wedding. But the truth is that she never wanted to get married. After all, who would want to have an ugly, weak, and cursed wife? Who, in their right mind, would want to take care of her as if taking care of an infant and be always afraid to be accompanied by someone who might collapse at any moment? The curse made her this weak, not letting her to live a normal life since childhood. She believed that by reading books about herbs and various potions, she would be able to find a way to get rid of it or at least offer herself a way to be like any other person with a healthy body. She thought that maybe fate will smile upon her once in her life, but it did not happened as such. So at the age of 20 she resigned herself and agreed to be the wife of the first person who will ask for her.

Suddenly a few knocks on the door could be heard.

“He arrived. Do your best at least once in your miserable life or else you will not have an easy time in this house afterwards.” said Scarlett with eyes full of hostility, while leaving the room.

Naavah sighed and continued to look at the table that was now empty. She didn’t had the courage to move her gaze into the mirror to see how she looked like. She was distressed and her hands were sweaty, not knowing what to say first. She didn’t knew how this man looked like, what his interests were or what he desired from his bride and future wife. And this feeling was familiar to her; because of her health condition, she never attended social events and could not learn how to start a proper conversation with a stranger. All that she could have done at that moment was to try to conceal her nervousness.

After a few more minutes, the door finally opened and a tall man dressed in a thick black cape which accentuated his broad shoulders, entered the room. His hair was black and he had sharp blue eyes that made her feel like he could see right through her soul. She felt quite intimidated by him, but she couldn’t take her eyes off of him. Her breathing became harsh and heavy, as if the air did not want to make its way through her lungs. She started to panic.

“You must be Naavah.” said the man, still looking into her eyes.

She nodded her head with barely perceptible movements, and could think of nothing but the fact that the sight of her eyes made him feel sick and disgusted. Her red eyes that was always one of the favorite topics for others to bully her, ever since she started to have memories.

“Would you not want me to enter?” he asked with a faint smile.

“Oh! Uhm... take a seat please!”

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He closed the door and sat on the chair that was right in front of her.

“I am Fyodor Wintkrim. Your uncle Dargan said that you are a bit shy, but I never imagined that you could be so shy.” he said, while laughing softly.

She lowered her gaze and started biting her lower lip. After learning about the curse and the way it affects her physical condition, her uncle always told others that she was shy so he could avoid unpleasant situations. That was, of course, a lie. But there was nothing she could do about it, especially because she was reluctant of speaking with people she didn't knew. She always asssumed they will bully her, like the others.

“You shouldn’t do that.” he said, pointing at her bitten lip. “You will hurt yourself and I bet you would not like to lose much blood, giving your health situation.”

She stopped and looked back at him. Thinking that Dargan told him about the curse, she didn't knew how to respond. But it was not really necessary because he was the one to continue:

“Tell me what do you want from your husband.”

She was startled at his words. Ubertina, her aunt, always told her that men only care about their own satisfaction and desires. They will never be interested in a woman’s opinions or wishes, whether she was their wife or not. That’s how it is and she must learn this so she won’t be too hurt by the truth and the treatment she will receive. Hence her bewilderment.

As if sensing her doubts and fright, he straightened his back and said with a gentle smile:

“It’s ok. You can speak freely. I will tell you as well.”

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